Community Forum on the use of E-Bikes

Written By Troy Murphy

PRESS RELEASE: Simon Kennedy MP

1 July 2024

 

Simon Kennedy hosts community forum on the use of e-bikes

On Friday 28 June, Simon Kennedy hosted a community forum to discuss the use of e-bikes in the Cook constituency. The forum was attended by approximately 50 local residents, including representatives from local cycling clubs, e-bike retailers, Sutherland Shire Council and the Cronulla Chamber of Commerce.

The forum was addressed by Peter Bourke, from Bicycle Industries Australia, who was able to clarify for attendees the definition of an e-bike, current regulations around sale and use of e-bikes and a number of recommendations for regulatory reform.

Ideas generated during the meeting included:

  • Better enforcement of existing road rules and regulations (e.g., increased Council presence in Cronulla Mall during peak bike use times)

  • Strengthened penalties for irresponsible use of e-bikes (e.g., fines or e-bike confiscation)

  • Improved awareness of e-bike rules (e.g., introduction on schools programme on cycling proficiency, Council campaign on e-bike laws)

  • More investment in road infrastructure to incentivise appropriate use of e-bikes (e.g., separated cycle lanes, installation of bike racks, etc.)

During the forum the Mayor of Sutherland Shire Council, Mayor Carmello Pesce, committed to improving the no-cycling signage and installing bike racks in Cronulla Mall as immediate next steps to addressing the use of e-bikes in this no-riding zone.

Fatoboy bikes came and contributed to the discussion and committed to reviewing their marketing material and its influence on young people’s use of e-bikes.

Notes:

The NSW Parliament is currently holding an Inquiry into the use of ebikes. The Inquiry is accepting submissions until the 18 August 2024 – available here.

Troy Murphy
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